Bear emergencies in mind over holidays

The Emergency Department at Borders General Hospital and the Out of Hours service often receive unusually high numbers of patient contacts on public holidays.

The BGH is reminding Borderers that over the next public holiday on Monday, April 4, by planning ahead and knowing who to turn to if they need medical attention, they can help save the Emergency Department for emergencies.

All Health Centres and GP Practices in the Borders, with the exception of Roxburgh Street Medical Practice Galashiels, Kelso Medical Practice, Newcastleton Health Centre, Eyemouth Medical Practice and West Linton Medical Practice will be closed for the public holiday on Monday, 4 April.

If you or someone you care for is unwell and can’t wait until your GP surgery re-opens, contact the NHS 24 helpline on 111. If the condition is immediately life threatening, dial 999 for an emergency ambulance.

If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over the holiday weekend.

Some community pharmacies will be open for a limited time on Monday 4 April 2016. Please check with your local pharmacy to see when it will be open or visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/public-holidays.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.